American Champion Aircraft
22 used American Champion aircraft listings · $78,000–$329,500 · last refreshed 32 min ago
About American Champion Aircraft Company
American Champion Aircraft, based in Rochester, Wisconsin, is the custodian of one of the most beloved lineages in American aviation — the Aeronca/Champion/Bellanca/Citabria/Decathlon family of fabric-covered tailwheel aircraft. The company traces its roots to the Aeronca Champion 7AC of 1945, which became the definitive postwar light aircraft. Through successive ownership changes — Aeronca to Champion to Bellanca to American Champion — the basic design has been continuously refined for over 80 years. If you are looking for an American Champion aircraft for sale, you are shopping tailwheel aircraft that teach real stick-and-rudder flying skills in an era of glass cockpits and autopilots.
The current lineup centers on three models. The Scout (8GCBC) is a rugged two-seat utility aircraft powered by a Lycoming O-360 (180 HP), designed for bush flying, glider towing, and backcountry operations. The Citabria Explorer (7GCBC) uses the same Lycoming O-360 (150 HP) and is the standard tailwheel trainer and sport aircraft — docile handling with just enough aerobatic capability (Normal category: +3.5G/-1.52G) to keep things interesting. The Decathlon (8KCAB) is the full aerobatic variant with a Lycoming AEIO-320 (150 HP) or AEIO-540 (180 HP in the Super Decathlon), stressed to +6G/-5G. The Xtreme Decathlon pushes to 210 HP and competition-level aerobatic capability.
These are simple, honest aircraft. Fabric-covered steel tube fuselages, wood-and-fabric or all-metal wings, fixed tailwheel landing gear, and mechanical simplicity that keeps maintenance costs low. They are the aircraft that CFIs use to teach crosswind landings, spin recovery, and precision flying. Every military and airline pilot would benefit from 50 hours in a Citabria.
Used American Champion/Citabria/Decathlon prices reflect their niche but loyal market. Citabria Explorers trade at $40,000-$90,000, Super Decathlons at $80,000-$150,000, and Scouts at $90,000-$180,000. Older Aeronca Champions (7AC) and Champs are available from $20,000-$50,000. Key pre-buy items: fabric condition (Ceconite or Poly-Fiber — test with a fabric tester for remaining strength), wood spar condition (moisture damage, delamination), steel tube fuselage corrosion at lower longerons, and Lycoming engine compression and oil consumption. Annual maintenance costs are among the lowest in aviation — $3,000-$6,000 for a well-maintained Citabria. Fuel burn is modest at 7-9 GPH. These aircraft do not depreciate much — a well-maintained Citabria holds its value year after year because demand for tailwheel trainers remains constant.
American Champion Aircraft for Sale
Price $78,000–$329,500
American Champion Aircraft Price & Cost
How much does a American Champion aircraft cost? Current pricing for used American Champion aircraft (also known as American Champion choppers or American Champion helis) is broken down per model in the table below — covering acquisition price, hourly operating cost and overhaul cost.
| Type | Model | Used price range | Op cost / hr | Annual fixed | Overhaul cost | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Engine Piston | $159,000–$265,000 | — | — | — | 3 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $78,000–$79,900 | — | — | — | 2 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $125,000–$125,000 | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $222,000–$222,000 | — | — | — | 3 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $138,982–$329,500 | — | — | — | 11 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $218,500–$218,500 | — | — | — | 2 |
The cost of a American Champion aircraft depends on model, year, hours flown, avionics and condition. See operating costs and pre-buy checklist in the About section, or open a specific model page for a detailed price guide.
American Champion Models
Single Engine Piston
American Champion Models — Specifications
Model specFrequently Asked Questions — American Champion
Is the Citabria a good tailwheel trainer?
The American Champion Citabria is widely considered one of the best tailwheel trainers available. It has tandem seating with excellent forward visibility (no need to S-turn while taxiing like many taildraggers), forgiving stall characteristics, and enough aerobatic capability for basic introduction to loops and rolls. The main caution: 34% of Citabria accidents involve runway loss of control on landing — tailwheel aircraft demand constant attention during ground operations. Used Citabrias start around $30,000-$50,000, with annual operating costs of approximately $3,500 at 50 hours/year.
Citabria vs Decathlon — what is the difference?
Both are built by American Champion, but they serve different roles. The Citabria is the basic model — great for tailwheel training, recreational flying, and introductory aerobatics (positive-G maneuvers only). The Super Decathlon has a slightly different airframe with fuel and oil systems designed for limited inverted flight, making it suitable for aerobatic training and competition. The Decathlon costs more (approximately $4,000/year to operate vs $3,500 for the Citabria at 50 hours) and commands higher resale prices. Choose the Citabria for tailwheel training; the Decathlon for serious aerobatic progression.
Are American Champion aircraft still in production?
Yes. American Champion Aircraft continues to manufacture the Citabria, Decathlon, Scout, and Denali series from their factory in Rochester, Wisconsin. They have made significant upgrades including all-metal wings (replacing the older wooden spar design that was a maintenance concern), improved interior options, and modernized avionics. The Scout is their utility/bush model with STOL capability, while the Denali is an adventure-oriented variant. On AeroGurus, we list 50 active American Champion aircraft.
What is the American Champion Scout good for?
The American Champion Scout is a tandem-seat utility aircraft designed for backcountry and bush flying. With a 180hp Lycoming engine, large tundra tires, and STOL performance, it excels at off-airport operations — remote strips, hunting/fishing camps, and farm/ranch use. The Scout sits between a Piper Super Cub (simpler, lighter) and a CubCrafters XCub (faster, more refined, much more expensive). For buyers who want a rugged, affordable tailwheel backcountry airplane with factory support, the Scout is a compelling choice.
American Champion Inventory by Country
| United States | 59 |
| Canada | 1 |
| Germany | 1 |
| Australia | 1 |
| Norway | 1 |
| South Africa | 1 |
Recently Sold American Champion
| 1961 Champion 7FC | $27,907 |
| 1999 7-GCAA ADVENTURE | $123,500 |
| 7KCAB | $60,000 |
| 2007 7-GCBC | $163,500 |
| 2003 8GCBC | $225,000 |
| 2004 Super Decathlon 8-Kcab-180 | $149,900 |